This week, Eye on Travel broadcasts from the first World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) European Leaders Forum — and from the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal. Joining Peter is Greece Minister of Tourism Elena Kountoura, on the impact of climate change and the recent fires in Greece, Then, Ana Mendes Godinho, Secretary of State of Tourism in Portugal, on the recent boom in tourism there, and one of the reasons — perhaps surprisingly, is that more and more foreigners are making the decision to permanently reside there. Award-winning Portuguese Chef Jose Avillez explains the curious development of how former Portuguese colonies have shaped the country’s culinary scene. There’s all of this and more as Eye on Travel broadcasts from the WTTC European Leaders Forum and Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal. 

Click here to listen to the show streaming live from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 13, 2018.

Have a travel question? Then ask Peter. Call 888-88-PETER (888-88-383), email him at peter@petergreenberg.com, or tweet your questions to @petersgreenberg (include #AskPeter).

Ana Mendes Godinho, Secretary of State of Tourism in Portugal, discusses how Portugal manages to maintain its authenticity and traditional hospitality while also being innovative. She then shares why an increasing number of Americans and other nationalities decide to stay in Portugal. Madonna is one of them! 

Filipa Ferreira, Head Concierge of Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, explains how Lisbon went from a hidden gem to a primary touristic destination. She shares how people used to come to Lisbon because they already visited everywhere else, but now she says they’re visiting because they actually want to see it.

Miguel Júdice, Restaurateur and Author of The 500 Secrets of Lisbon, reveals that Lisbon was reinvented without losing its original charm and authenticity. He also shares his secrets for visiting Lisbon and how there are five Michelin star restaurants.

Jose Avillez, Award-winning Portuguese Chef and Owner of Belcanto, explains how former Portuguese colonies have shaped the country’s culinary scene. Nevertheless, because of Portugal’s regional diversity, it’s still very hard to define what Portuguese cuisine really is.  

Tricia Pimental, Portugal Correspondent for International Living Magazine, shares why Lisbon is a Western European affordable gem that gives people high standards for low costs.  

Miguel Garcia, General Manager of Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, emphasizes the role of personnel in making the hotel distinguished. He also explains why everything in the hotel needs to be connected to Lisbon.

Vera Moura, Editor-in-Chief at Time Out Lisbon, shares how every week there are new and good restaurants opening in Lisbon. She also gives her tip on where to find the best pastel de nata (Portuguese traditional pastry) in Lisbon.

Elena Kountoura, Greece Minister of Tourism, explains why Greece’s new tourism strategy has been unprecedentedly successful in attracting tourists all year round. She also addresses the impact of climate change and the recent fires in Greece, which turned into a national tragedy. Then, the minister shares why she went to the U.S. for her own vacations.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, Former Head of  Air France, explains why governments and the private sector have to diversify touristic destinations. He then discusses how we need to rethink the airports so that you don’t need to stand in lines for hours.

By Alisa Sokolova for PeterGreenberg.com